Boys Will be Boys: Fighting Sexism in Media and Journalism

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 2:00 PM

The Jian Ghomeshi scandal shocked the country, but maybe we needed to be shocked. Despite all the gains made over decades for women’s rights and gender equality, even our trusted public broadcaster had failed us.

Newsrooms have long been a man’s world, and while women are occupying positions as journalists, editors, producers and broadcasters more than ever before, it’s clear that sexism, sexual harassment, and even sexual assault remain a problem in the industry. Whereas women remained silent for years, fearing they’d lose their jobs and ruin their careers if they spoke out about the misogyny they experienced working in media, they are finally beginning to speak out, buoyed by the courage and righteous anger of their female colleagues.

This panel features four prominent and courageous women who are experts on the issues of gender discrimination, violence against women and sexism in the media. They will address the history of this problem, the current climate, and the real-life impact of sweeping sexist practices and behaviour under the rug.